Watch Trial by Jury

Trial by Jury is a dark and intense legal thriller from 1994 that stars Joanne Whalley, Armand Assante, and Gabriel Byrne. The movie portrays a deeply flawed justice system that allows powerful and manipulative people to evade punishment for their crimes. The film follows Frank Biley (Armand Assante), a notorious mobster who is put on trial for murder. The case is assigned to Annie Laird (Joanne Whalley), a struggling artist who works as a jury consultant. Annie feels the pressure to perform well in the case, as her career depends on it. She also feels a personal connection to the victims' families, as they happen to live in the same neighborhood she grew up in.

As the trial progresses, Annie becomes increasingly skeptical of the prosecution's case against Frank. She suspects that the evidence has been tampered with and that witnesses have been coerced. Annie's suspicions are confirmed when she meets Eddie Santini (Gabriel Byrne), a shadowy figure who claims to have information that could prove Frank's innocence.

Annie is torn between her duty to the legal system and her sense of morality. She knows that if she speaks out against the prosecution, she could lose her job and be ostracized from her profession. On the other hand, she believes that Frank is the victim of a corrupt justice system that disproportionately favors the wealthy and powerful.

The tension builds as Annie and Eddie work to uncover the truth about the case. They become targets of intimidation and violence from Frank's associates, and Annie finds herself increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

The movie is stylishly directed by Heywood Gould, who infuses the film with a gritty, noirish atmosphere. The performances are uniformly strong, particularly from Joanne Whalley, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman torn between her ideals and her profession. Armand Assante is also excellent as the suave and ruthless Frank Biley, while Gabriel Byrne brings a world-weary gravitas to his role as Eddie Santini.

One of the most impressive aspects of Trial by Jury is its unflinching depiction of the flaws and biases within the legal system. The film exposes how money, power, and status can all too often determine the outcome of a trial, regardless of the facts. It also highlights the difficult moral choices that individuals must make when faced with systemic injustice.

Overall, Trial by Jury is a gripping and thought-provoking legal thriller that explores the complexities of justice and morality in a corrupt world. Its themes are as relevant today as they were when the movie was released over 25 years ago, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Trial by Jury is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.